We were lucky to catch up with Kinsey Paul recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kinsey, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I’m often the only one in the room who looks like me and I’ve learned to be effective when this happens by first being authentic to myself and my experiences- even if those around me can’t relate. I keep my imposter syndrome and insecurities at bay, knowing that everything happens for a reason and I wouldn’t be in certain rooms and spaces if I wasn’t supposed to be there. Additionally, I hold space and patience for the beauty of being in new environments and around people I seemingly don’t have much in common with, at least on surface level. Being open minded and curious about new, unfamiliar territory has taken me far and has exposed me to a lot of things that I don’t know I would’ve experienced otherwise. One of my favorites sayings is: “if you’re the smartest person in the room, you need to find a new room.” Inclusivity and representation is so essential (to me) but at the same time, I understand that when you’re on a path to achieve something great, you’re going to be uncomfortable A LOT. Its really about how you pivot and adapt.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
11:11 Concepts is a visual arts collective that specializes in elegant, intentional beauty and life styling services for commercial, editorial, special events + weddings, and design. Culturally and around the world, “11:11” is viewed as a good omen and symbolizes enlightenment and insight, staying true to oneself, and creating a life that feels like a collection of miracles. This concept is reflected in my way of being, my brand, and my work. My creative endeavors over the years have allowed me to experience so much, from showcasing designs during Fashion Week in Lisbon, Portugal to styling models for a Lil Wayne video shoot in Miami. Since re-locating to Nashville, bridal styling and wedding beauty services have been at the forefront of the brand, and I have worked with hundreds of brides and couples all over the world- from understated, intimate elopements to extravagant 3-day Indian wedding ceremonies and everything in between. I am often asked where the name of my brand comes from- a few years ago, I would see 11:11 several times a day. This went on for at least 4-5 months. Every day, serendipitously, I’d notice “1111” on the street or on mailing addresses, or would buy something and the total for my purchase would be $11.11. I’d notice 1,111 likes or views on a social media post. After falling down an Internet search rabbit hole, I came to learn that in spirituality and numerology, the number “1” represents the self… specifically one’s own abilities, independence, and autonomy. Operating under this idea, the power and influence of a number expands and is magnified when you see that number repeated… such as 11:11. After that, it just clicked and all came together. Each “1” in 11:11 Concepts represents a brand pillar for services we offer for beauty, bridal, styling/concepts, and design.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Not Giving Up: Life is going to try you. Life is going to beat your ass and test you to see if you really want what you say you do- take time to mourn your losses and process your emotions but get back on the path- don’t stay down. People are going to project their insecurities, doubts, and fears on you. Keep going anyway. Find a way to listen to nobody but yourself, God, and occasionally other people- but ONLY people you trust that have experienced success and notable accomplishments in their life, thus they know what they’re talking about and can give you meaningful advice that will help you on your journey. In “The Artist’s Way” Julia Cameron says that success is often times attributed not to talent, but to audacity. The people who keep going no matter what eventually get whatever it is that they’re after.
2. Continue to Learn: Grow and cultivate your skills and your talents. Take classes (even if its on YouTube University lol) and workshops. Attend seminars or retreats where you’re around new ideas and can be inspired to dry something out of your comfort zone of standard area of expertise.
3. Collaborate: It’s not always what you know, it’s who you know. Having connections is integral in growing in any industry. Try not to burn bridges and do your best work- keep your name clean and do you best. Also, being around other like minded people and discussing ideas, concepts, and creating art always leads to inspiration and most importantly its FUN!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Trying to do everything myself- it’s unrealistic and time consuming. As your brand/business grows, it’s a rookie mistake to still try and operate at the same level that you were on when you started. In the beginning stages, before there’s any consistent flow of money and clients, you have nothing but time to do everything yourself. And because I like things a certain way (and am a Virgo moon, yikes), I am hesitant about trusting others with certain responsibilities and tasks… BUT I’m resolving this by hiring and out-sourcing help. I just hired an assistant, I have a team of beautiful, talented artists that freelance for 11:11 Concepts for larger jobs, and I am in the process of hiring an intern.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eleven11.info
- Instagram: @eleven11concepts
Image Credits
Eva Liz Sanz Daniel Lee Photography Austin Claire Photography
